US report finds hundreds of potential Israeli rights violations in Gaza

A confidential US government assessment has concluded that Israeli military operations in Gaza include "many hundreds" of potential violations of human rights laws that could restrict American security assistance. According to officials familiar with the classified report, the State Department's Office of the Inspector General determined that properly investigating these incidents would require "multiple years" to complete.

Leahy Law Implications

The findings mark the first official US acknowledgment of the scale of Israeli actions that potentially fall under the Leahy Laws, which prohibit American security assistance to foreign military units credibly implicated in gross human rights violations. The report comes amid ongoing US military support to Israel totaling billions of dollars annually, raising questions about enforcement of these legal restrictions.

Special Vetting System for Israel

The assessment details a special review process for Israel that provides more favorable treatment compared to other nations receiving US military aid. According to former officials familiar with the system, while a single credible allegation typically blocks assistance for most countries, for Israel officials must reach consensus before withholding aid. This system has reportedly prevented any US assistance from being withheld from Israeli units despite documented allegations.

Accountability Concerns

Former State Department official Charles Blaha, who was briefed on the findings, expressed concern that "accountability will be forgotten now that the noise of the conflict is dying down." The report was completed shortly before the recent ceasefire agreement, with high-profile incidents including the killing of World Central Kitchen aid workers still awaiting formal review under the Leahy Laws framework.